Find news and information for the executive corporate security director, CSO, facility manager and assets protection manager on issues of policy, products, incidents, risk management, threat assessments and preparedness.
Issue link: http://sdi.epubxp.com/i/209760
INTEGRATOR CONNECTION By Curt Harler SDI's on-site team manages all of the security technologies for both O'Hare and Midway airport, including video, access control, and computer dispatch systems. Growth through Acquisition SDI looks to triple its size as part of an aggressive expansion plan S ystem Development Integration LLC (SDI) of Chicago is on the fast-track to expansion. And the growth will continue. "The firm has set a financial growth goal of achieving $200 million in revenues by 2017," says company founder and CEO David A. Gupta. "SDI will achieve its growth goals by extending its target geographies, entering into new markets and adding new solutions and skill sets." With its two most recent acquisitions made in just the past few months, SDI has grown to a $70 million operation. Gupta's goal of tripling size by 2017 is aggressive, but he says that SDI has "more than adequate financial capacity" to meet that objective. "These activities will happen both organically and via acquisition, and will be funded by our private equity investors LLR Partners," Gupta says. In early September, SDI acquired X7, a Washington, D.C.-based systems integrator — named the ninthfastest growing systems integrator in Security Dealer & Integrator's 2013 Fast50 awards, and was ranked No. 5 in 2012. In June, SDI purchased i-sys Corp., a systems integrator that focuses on security, environmental 52 and fire safety solutions. Its suite of clients includes major financial institutions, airports, seaports, state/ local government, and universities from its offices in California, South Carolina and Tennessee. "Both firms had an attractive client list — especially large private-sector clients," Gupta says. He notes there were several similarities in service offerings and an ability to cross-sell other SDI offerings such as network/infrastructure and enterprise apps. While they met the founders' vision of growth, they also brought to the table proven ability to manage large, long-term contracts. "They have geographical locations that help expand our national footprint," Gupta says. Just as important, there was a good "cultural fit" — something Gupta feels is important when bringing two companies together. "Culture is something we proactively manage," Gupta says. They expect exceptional delivery of services and that all members of the team will be there for the client. "Any candidate (for acquisition) will have to have that type of dedication," Gupta adds. "There must be community involvement and mentoring of both their people and other firms." www.SecurityInfoWatch.com | SD&I; | November 2013